Sayonara

The last Flora Wonder Blog, Summer Maple Propagation, Part 5 (August 30, 2024) was the finale, so no mas blog. Sorry that it ended abruptly…but for reasons beyond my control.

The blog began in the fall of 2011, inspired by a Maple Society trip to Belgium where I was energized to tour world-renowned tree collections such as the Arboretums Kalmthout, Wespelaar and others. Later I was able to continue my journeys to England and other European countries, to Japan, and to many wonderful USA plant destinations. And of course I offered a behind-the-scenes documentary of my life with plants and the challenges and joys of operating Buchholz Nursery.

I appreciate the interest shown by many readers, while the few detractors provided some amusement at least. With Flora as our guide, we posted about 600 blogs, although I suspect most “readers” just looked at the photos and couldn’t muster the energy to wade through the verbiage. But I think my favorite comment was from a follower who said he received the blog on Friday evenings, but waited until Saturday morning when his brain was fresh to read it with his morning coffee and biscuits. That pleased me, as if I got to sit with him at his table every week, and yes, thanks, please warm up my cup. Another amazing connection was with a complete stranger, a woman from Singapore who “loves to garden.” Maybe some day I can visit, though I suppose her garden doesn’t include even a single plant that I grow. And I hope it doesn’t.

Many thanks to employee Seth Helmer who I know grew weary with the weekly production, but I always said, “No Seth, no blog.” He had to deal with this fussy boss who micro-managed every photo placement and who insisted on the exact dotting of every “t” and the crossing of every “i.” Seth came to accept that when I wanted to spell something rong, or to invent words that don’t exist, or when I dragged out my etymological investigations, well, that was just the way it was going to be. And, he actually learned to read my mind, God forbid!

OK, so what’s next? I know I’ll be asked. Well, we’ll see, but I never want to project what I hope to do, I’d rather present what I have done. Be certain, though, that Flora Wonder will continue, even if it’s in my mind only. Every plant has a story, which I love to share.

So then, as the Japanese say, “Sayonara”…